When a town has ‘lake’ in it’s name, it better give off a solid water vibe. Saranac Lake doesn’t disappoint. It is smack dab in the center of the Adirondack Park’s 30,000 miles of paddling routes. The village is surrounded by the Saranac chain of lakes, tons of smaller bodies of water, and the nearby St. Regis Canoe Area.
Saranac Lake has ‘right out your backdoor’ paddling abundance. You can begin and end your day on the water right from downtown. Lake Flower is the show piece in the middle of town, a result of damming the Saranac River that runs through town and connects to the Saranac chain. It is a daily reminder how connected you are to the water, if you listen closely you can hear it calling you.
To help you get on the water when the paddling season unofficially kicks off, several outfitters and organizations in the Saranac Lake region have teamed up to offer a variety of paddling-related activities and events each June. Celebrate Paddling is a joint effort of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, Adirondack Lakes and Trails Outfitters, St. Regis Canoe Outfitters, and MAC's Canoe Livery.
For a taste of what Celebrate Paddling typically entails, check out the 2019 lineup.
2021 Schedule of Events
Please check back regularly. Events and activities are subject to change due depending on COVID-19 guidance from New York State.
Friday, June 4
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Guided Trip: Floodwood Pond & Fish Creek
Join St. Regis Canoe Outfitters for a fun morning of paddling as we explore the Floodwood area. We will meet at Floodwood Outpost before heading out on Floodwood Pond to paddle down beautiful Fish Creek. We provide the shuttle back to Floodwood. Bring your own lunch, snack, and water. Cost: $50 per person (bring your own boat), Use our rental canoe -- Add $25 per person. Advance registration required by Monday, May 31.
St. Regis Canoe Outfitters:
518-891-1838 or info@canoeoutfitters.com
Sunday, June 6
Noon to 4 p.m.
Guided Trip: Second Pond to Lower Locks
Join St. Regis Canoe Outfitters for a fun afternoon of paddling we explore the plants and wildlife along the route. Bring your own lunch, snack, and water. Meet at State Bridge. Cost: $50 per person (bring your own boat), Use our rental canoe -- Add $25 per person. Advance registration required by Wednesday, June 2.
St. Regis Canoe Outfitters:
518-891-1838 or info@canoeoutfitters.com
Wednesday, June 9
Noon to 4 p.m.
Family Paddling Clinic
Family Paddling Clinics are a great way for families with children to learn paddling skills. Using a game-oriented approach we teach the basic paddling maneuvers on flatwater including forward, back, sweep, and draw strokes, as well as techniques for safe paddling. Our Family Paddling Clinic are appropriate for children ages 8 to 16 years of age, and one or both parents. Bring a snack and water. Location in Saranac Lake to be determined closer to the date. Cost: $50 per person (bring your own boat), Use our rental canoe -- Add $25 per person. Advance registration required by Wednesday, June 2.
St. Regis Canoe Outfitters:
518-891-1838 or info@canoeoutfitters.com
Saturday, June 12
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Navigation Basics: Map & Compass
Whether you are planning a day hike or a multi-day canoe trip, it is important to be able to use a map and compass. Navigation Basics will provide you with practical navigation skills that you can transfer to your favorite outdoor activity. The course will cover how to read and utilize a topographical map, how to read a compass and take a bearing, how to identify unknown landmarks, how to figure out your location when you're lost, and much more. We hope you will join St. Regis Canoe Outfitters for a fun afternoon of learning and games! Meet at our Saranac River base in downtown Saranac Lake, 73 Dorsey Street. Pre-registration required by Tuesday, June 8. Cost: $49 per person.
St. Regis Canoe Outfitters:
518-891-1838 or info@canoeoutfitters.com
Sunday, June 13
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Saranac River Clean-Up
Give back to the environment. Volunteer by spending a day cleaning up the Saranac River. Gloves, trash bags, boats and gear provided. This event is done in collaboration with the DEC, American Rivers Clean-up®, St. Regis Canoe Outfitters, Wiley's Flies, Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters, and the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. Pre-registration required. Meet at Dorsey Street Parking Lot. Free event.
St. Regis Canoe Outfitters:
518-891-1838 or info@canoeoutfitters.com
Friday, June 18
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Guided Trip: Rollins Loop
Join St. Regis Canoe Outfitters for a fun morning of paddling as we explore the Floodwood area. We will meet at the Floodwood Outpost before heading out on Floodwood Pond to paddle the Rollins Loop. Bring your own lunch, snack and water. Cost: $50 per person (bring your own boat), Use our rental canoe -- Add $25 per person. Pre-registration required by Monday, June 14.
St. Regis Canoe Outfitters:
518-891-1838 or info@canoeoutfitters.com
Sunday, June 20
Noon to 4 p.m.
Guided Trip: Lower Saranac Lake to Fish Creek
Join St. Regis Canoe Outfitters for a fun afternoon of paddling as we explore the plants and wildlife along the route. Meet at Ampersand Bay on Lower Saranac Lake. Bring a snack and water. Cost: $50 per person (bring your own boat), Use our rental canoe -- Add $25 per person. Advance registration required by Wednesday, June 16.
St. Regis Canoe Outfitters:
518-891-1838 or info@canoeoutfitters.com
Sunday, June 20
Noon to 3 p.m.
Raquette River Clean-Up
Meet at Raquette River Outfitters between 11:30 am and noon. Canoes, PFDs, paddles, and trash bags will be provided. This is a fun family activity and you'll be helping keep the beautiful Raquette River pristine!
Raquette River Outfitters:
518-359-3228 or info@raquetteriveroutfitters.com
Saturday, June 26
11 a.m.
Tupper Lake 8-Miler
Race starts at the Town of Tupper Lake Boat Launch on Lake Simond Road and goes to the Route 30 bridge and then goes up the Raquette River to the Oxbow and returns to the Boat Launch. Distance: 8 milers. A NYPRA Points Race for canoes and kayaks. Entry fee: $15. T-shirts for the first 60 registrants!
Register:
Tupper Lake 8-Miler
Sunday, June 27
Time & location TBA
Celebrate Paddling Invitational
The culmination of our month-long celebration. Check back for more details!
Northern Forest Canoe Trail:
chris@northernforestcanoetrail.org
